Born in Middlesbrough, Chris had a reputation for being a bit of a hard man due to his strong tackles. However, his enthusiasm for the game and commitment earned himself an army of fans and cult status. After a brief spell in the Royal Navy, he began his senior career at Portsmouth in 1975. This was the start of a long and successful football career and he stayed with the club for two years. Never spending long at one particular club, he spent the following years at Swindon Town (this was followed by a brief return to Portsmouth), Brentford, Swindon Town once again and then Stoke City.
In 1990 Chris signed for Leeds United where he was part of the side that won the Championship in 1992 under Howard Wilkinson’s management.
He has also played for Luton Town, Sheffield United and Bradford City. He played more than seven hundred games before hanging up his boots and retiring from professional football.